High Reactivity of Supermolecular Nanoentities of a Vitamin B Derivative in Langmuir-Schaefer Films Toward Gaseous Toxins.

Recently, we have described the first supermolecular nanoentities (SMEs) of a vitamin B derivative, viz., a monocyano form of heptabutyl cobyrinate ((CN)Cby), unique nanoparticles with strong noncovalent intermolecular interactions, and emerging optical and redox properties. In this work, the fast response of thin films based on the SMEs of the B derivative to gaseous toxins (viz., hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide) particularly dangerous for humans was demonstrated. The reaction between SMEs of (CN)Cby in Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) films and HCN generates dicyano species and proceeds ca. 5-fold more rapidly than the process involving drop-coated films that contain (CN)Cby in molecular form. The highest sensitivity toward HCN was achieved by using thicker LS films. The reaction proceeds reversibly: upon exposure to air, the dicyano complex undergoes partial decyanation. The decyanated complex retains reactivity toward HCN for at least four subsequent cycles. The processes involving SMEs of (CN)Cby and NH, SO, and HS are irreversible, and the sensitivity of the films toward these gases is lower in comparison with HCN. Presented data provides mechanistic information on the reactions involving solid vitamin B derivatives and gaseous toxins. In the case of NH, deprotonation of the coordinated Co(III)-ion water molecule occurs, and the generated hydroxocyano species exhibit high air stability. After binding of SO, a mixture of sulfito and dicyano species is produced, and the regenerated film contains aquacyano and diaqua or aquahydroxo species, which possess high reactivity toward gaseous toxins. Reaction with HS produces a mixture of the Co(III)-dicyano form and Co(II)-species containing sulfide oxidation products, which are resistant to aerobic oxidation. Our findings can be used for the development of naked-eye, electronic optic, and chemiresistive sensors toward gaseous toxins with improved reactivity for prompt cyanide detection in air, blood, and plant samples and for analysis of exhaled gases for the diagnosis of diseases.